Navy SEAL who shot Osama bin Laden revealed as veteran commando Rob O'Neill

O’Neill, 38, was the man who shot bin Laden three times in the forehead during the SEAL raid on Abbottobad which also saw four others killed and no casualties among U.S. forces

The US Navy Seal who fired the fatal gunshots at Osama bin Laden has revealed his identity.

Commando Rob O’Neill was a key figure in Operation Neptune Spear, the daring night-time mission which saw the al-Qaeda chief shot and killed on May 2, 2011.

O’Neill, 38, was the man who shot bin Laden three times in the forehead during the SEAL raid on Abbottobad which also saw four others killed and no casualties among U.S. forces.

His identity was revealed in a MailOnline interview with Rob’s father, Tom O’Neill - who insists he isn't scared of any retribution from his son's outing as the man who killed bin Laden.

Tom O’Neill told MailOnline: ‘People are asking if we are worried that ISIS will come and get us because Rob is going public.

The US Navy SEAL commando who fired the shots that killed al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden has been revealed as Rob O'Neill, according to the MailOnline. Photo: Twitter
The US Navy SEAL commando who fired the shots that killed al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden has been revealed as Rob O'Neill, according to the MailOnline. Photo: Twitter


The identity of Rob O'Neill (pictured) was confirmed by his father Tom O'Neill. (LinkedIn)
The identity of Rob O'Neill (pictured) was confirmed by his father Tom O'Neill. (LinkedIn)


The compound where Bin Laden was shot and killed, before its demolition later in 2011. (PA)
The compound where Bin Laden was shot and killed, before its demolition later in 2011. (PA)


'I say I'll paint a big target on my front door and say come and get us.'

Rob O'Neill is reportedly one of the most distinguished members of the Navy SEALs and was personally congratulated after killing bin Laden, according to his father.

The Al-Qaeda leader was shot and killed on May 2, 2011. (PA)
The Al-Qaeda leader was shot and killed on May 2, 2011. (PA)

The raid in 2011 saw a team of Navy SEALs in Blackhawk helicopters swooping on bin Laden's hideout in Abbottabad, Pakistan.

The operation was ordered by President Barack Obama after the CIA traced bin Laden's courier to the high-walled compound.

However, O'Neill now faces being shunned from the tightest circles of the U.S. military for disclosing one of America's most closely held secrets.

The commander of US Navy SEALs issued a stinging rebuke to troops who have broken the elite force's hallowed tradition of secrecy and humility by publishing memoirs and speaking to the media.

Rear Admiral Brian Losey, the head of Naval Special Warfare Command, wrote to his troops denouncing anyone who seeks fame or fortune by revealing details of secret missions.

'A critical tenet of our Ethos is 'I do not advertise the nature of my work, nor seek recognition for my actions,' Losey and the top enlisted sailor, Force Master Chief Michael Magaraci, wrote in the letter.


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'We do not abide wilful or selfish disregard for our core values in return for public notoriety and financial gain, which only diminishes otherwise honorable service, courage and sacrifice,' said the letter dated October 31.

The strict code of humble anonymity represented a 'life-long commitment and obligation' and those who flouted it were no longer teammates 'in good standing,' it said.

The commander warned in the letter that 'we will actively seek judicial consequence for members who wilfully violate the law' by revealing classified information.